Films

Sports isn’t my strong suit. I know it, now you do. How about that for some honesty. As a boy, I loved playing soccer as much as the next kid, and constantly wondered why their coordination was much better than mine. I still remember some of the own goals attributed to my name and rival teams thanking me for the favor. Through the years, I learned the harsh truth that we all cannot be Messi, Djokovic, LeBron, and so on. Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting a woman with athletic genes streaming down her bloodline. An Olympic medalist with her name engraved in history for achievements on and off the track, Mrs. Marita Payne-Wiggins.

I hear people talk about cheap vacations to Mexico, so when my buddy asked if I’m down for a quick getaway, I respond…sure Bro, lets do it. A bit later we are on a three-way call with a travel agent going over details and I have to say, the cost quickly put those cheap vacation rumors to rest. No turning back now, the thought’s already seeded and the excitement’s taken flight. I reach into my pocket for a credit card and like a good likkle-boi eager to belt out nursery rhymes, I release the information required to seal the deal.

Decisions, decisions, decisions. This part I hate. What camera gear to bring??? Considerations are size, weight, and if stolen or destroyed, I won’t be jumping over a bridge out of grief. I’m thinking one camera and two lenses max and finally decide on the Nikon D5300, Sigma 30mm HSM F1.4 and the Tamron 90mm Macro F2.8. Both lenses I’ve used on several gigs so I know what they are capable of, but the D5300 is new. I traded my D5200 for this clicker only for its ability to shoot 1080P video at 60fps. The D5200 is a very capable walk around camera so naturally I have high expectations from its successor.

Thinking back to 18years old, can’t really remember doing anything substantial to propel whatever I assumed my talents were. Like most young adults then, I was consumed with music and dance fashion, Timberlands and baggy jeans, the opposite sex and anything that would bring me popularity or respect, even if underserved.

Perhaps it’s the reason I’m moved when I encounter an 18yr old that’s not just coasting through youth, but exploring his talent with an incredible sense of direction. Ok, ok, I’ll quit the rambling and get on with it. His name is Trevor Kidd and he’s the winner of the “My Song For Change” contest put on by Make Music Matter. Now he’s recording that song for change in the company of multi-platinum selling bands like Sum41 and Billy Talent.

The notion of using music to effect change and influence the lives of people in Africa is great and all, but I’ll be honest, the whole time filming this, all I could think about is the big voice coming from this young man. Scary thing is…..he’s just beginning. Dude’s only going to get better as he matures in his art. I tip my hat to Trevor in anticipation of the many emotions his voice may gift us over time. He may not be “The Man” yet, but he’s surely “The Kidd”.

Africa, however beautiful, isn’t known for breeding the most happy-ending stories. Like many Africans here, Canada has become our home away from home. Despite the tragic reality of life in our homeland, MsAfriCanada Pageant reminds us of the beauty, strength and resilience inherent in our bloodlines. This beauty pagaent reunites us annually to face both our history and present.

I’m excited about the opportunity to create their video this year, especially because I’m a believer in what the Pageant stands for. Here are some of the highlights from the evening.

The talent part of the show is when the crowd is loudest. Kudos to all the ladies for putting on an awesome show. Here’s one performance I had a great time editing.

If you’ve been paying attention to lyrics lately, you’ve probably heard the line…..Twerk Miley Miley Twerk! No doubt there’s been a twerking uprising since Ms.Cyrus made it official its not a ‘sistas-only’ party. So what happens when twerking meets DJ 4Korners at My Apartment? Khaled and I showed up with our camera to get that story.

Why did I choose to make a short film on Coffee? Wish I had some profound reason to hand you but the reality is, I simply drink lots of coffee and love it. Follow me a on quest to learn more about coffee and meet some interesting people along the way.

Making this film was so much fun and I’m so grateful for all the help I got from the people in it. Without you guys, this would still remain an idea, floating in my head. But its now a reality, because of your help. Thanks to Susan – coffeetree.ca, Jeff – fairgroundscoffee.ca, Andria – andriabarrett.com, Amira – amiradevera.com, Mike & Olyana – cafeolya.com, Healthy Planet – healthyplanetcanada.com, Rendez Vous Restaurant – ethiopianrendezvous.com, Seven Grams Expresso Bar – sevengrams.ca.